Dual Alternators in Heavy Duty TV's

[esloser]

Was just doing some research on the ole interwebs and saw that most of the 2500's and 250's come with an option for dual alternators. Is there any advantage to a dual-alternator while camping or moving the travel trailer from point a to point b?

[Kenny kustom]

That option was missing on my ram.
Would have loved to have it.
The more current the better!

Options I didn't have but would have liked.
Dual alt.
Up fitter switch panel
Fifth wheel prep.
Rear air suspension.


2008 F350 CCSB V10
2016 Sabre 36QBOK

[esloser]

Besides the more is better argument, is there any specific benefit it would provide? Can it be used to charge batteries on travel trailer faster than the standard 7 pin connection?

[TURBS]

No

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

[Bluepill]

I don't see much advantage in duals for an RV application. They are usually used for specialties like ambulance/fire/rescue/recovery - i.e. Any application where additional electrical capacity is needed while idling. Most alternators put out only about half of their rated capacity at idle speeds, and only get near rating above 1500-1800 RPM with gasoline engines.

[TURBS]

Snow plows if you live in that sort of area.
No advantage in this case.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Snow plows if you live in that sort of area.

I think it was the snow plow prep that gave me the extra battery and alternator on my Ram.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I think it was the snow plow prep that gave me the extra battery and alternator on my Ram.

I'd venture to guess yes!

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

[retiredcamper47]

When I plug in my tt to my F150 at the storage yard, the battery lights on the control panel will only show 2 or maybe 3 lights. When I plug in with my F250 with dual alternators, all four lights light up for the battery on the control panel. Just my observation.................

Bob

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I think it was the snow plow prep that gave me the extra battery and alternator on my Ram.

Originally Posted by TURBS

I'd venture to guess yes!

Oh, and to the OP's question - I don't have the foggiest idea why/how it's beneficial. I seem to recall the dealer giving me some line as to why I should add the snow plow package; but I don't really recall what it was.

[DaveSchwartz]

My 2500HD diesel (non-plow-prepped) came with dual batteries. Maybe its also part of the Canadian cold-weather package... running glow plugs and cranking a 6.5 diesel with 15w-40 oil at -30 takes a lot of power. Sure is expensive when you have to replace them in pairs!

You only need the second alternator if you need to power a lot of stuff, like an ambulance body, as was said. A trailer would be incapable of consuming the extra power that could come from a second alternator - the fuse would prevent it and the wiring's not heavy enough.

[Ford Idaho]

Had that option for my 2010 when I ordered it, I said pass.
I saw no need for it and did not want to add the extra weight.

[TURBS]

Didn't know that you could factory delete the second battery in a duramax?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

[trbomax]

My f 250 Sd has 2 alternators. It was part of the ambulence/snow plow package. I cant see any advantage unless you are selling re-manned alternaters. One went out,the other failed in a couple weeks. The bottom one took 2 hrs to r&r because of all the other stuff in the way. Then there is the belt.................a different belt that was proprietory,only available thru ford. I always carry a spare now! I dont think it does squat for plowing,mines been plowed since new and the rt side batt that the plow is connected to always goes first.

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by retiredcamper47

When I plug in my tt to my F150 at the storage yard, the battery lights on the control panel will only show 2 or maybe 3 lights. When I plug in with my F250 with dual alternators, all four lights light up for the battery on the control panel. Just my observation.................

Bob

This could for a couple of reasons. Some newer trucks change the charge voltage when they detect a trailer connected. Also the 3/4 ton may have a large gauge cable from the fuse block to the 7 pin connector.

[jerky]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Didn't know that you could factory delete the second battery in a duramax?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "27 nights"

I don't believe you can, two are a must with the diesel


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[kandl]

Originally Posted by retiredcamper47

When I plug in my tt to my F150 at the storage yard, the battery lights on the control panel will only show 2 or maybe 3 lights. When I plug in with my F250 with dual alternators, all four lights light up for the battery on the control panel. Just my observation.................

The control panel battery level LEDs are relevant only when there is no external power source. I suspect the TT's battery was way down when you plugged the F150 in.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by jerky

I don't believe you can, two are a must with the diesel


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

I had one battery that was dead, it worked fine in warm weather but it wouldn't crank in cold I bought my truck used, and found that they only replaced one battery not both to just sell the truck. So I know FORD will work off one battery they are just hook-up in parallel. The other batty wasn't shorted but could not hold a load at all.

[jtesta1]

my tractor trailer has six batteries ,94 lights, fridge , microwave, 2nd ac unit ,tv ,dvd , xbox and only one alternator . why the heck would a little tiny pickup need 2 alternators .

[Dave Lyon]

For RV purposes it would be a negative in my opinion. Extra cost to replace and one more bearing waiting to seize and leave you stranded.